Caring for each other (1 Timothy 5)

In 1 Timothy 5, Paul gives advises Timothy as a church leader to encourage caring for each other within his church.  Paul gives many examples:

1.  Treat everyone as if they are members of his family.  (v.  1-2).  The emphasis is on treating older men with respect (right after telling Timothy to not let older people look down on him)

2. Care for widows who really are in need.  (v.  3-16).  Paul differentiates older widows who cannot remarry as truly in need while younger widows should remarry because otherwise, they are idle and gossipy.  Paul seems a little harsh on younger widows, but we can infer that there was a problem with younger widows who had too much time.

3.  Honor elders in church who lead the church well.  (v. 17-20).  The analogies that Paul uses to describe this is that workers deserve their wages and working oxen should not be muzzled.  The use of those analogies here suggest that Paul views honor within the church as a wage for serving church well.

If we apply this to a greater concept, it is important to recognize the contribution of volunteers in any organization.

4.  Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.  (v. 22).  Presumably, this means rising people to leadership positions.  In the context of cultivated and harmonious relationships emphasized in the rest of this chapter, I think this means that Paul wants Timothy to get to know potential leaders very well before giving them authority.

5.  Do not drink only water, but have some wine.  (v. 23).  The stated reason is because Timothy has a lot of stomach ailments.  Here, Paul takes on a different role, one of doctor or natural healer.  I agree with Paul in that some ailments are fixed with a little alcohol.